GOOD EATS

I originally started this blog as a visual food diary so that I could more closely examine what I was eating, and how it was making me feel.  It then sort of turned into a food diary/journal to document my everyday living.  It's nice to go back sometimes and look at the pictures, not just from big events (birthdays, engagements), but from the day-2-day stuff too.

It's funny how my eating has changed.  I used to be calorie OBSESSED, but now I'm healthy foods obsessed.  Don't get me wrong...I'm still all about burritos (I live in Southern California for goodness sake!), but I'm very focused on MODERATION!!!

BREAKFAST:

2 EGG WHITES & 1 YOLK + 1 PIECE EZEKIEL CINNAMON RAISIN BREAD + 2 MORNING STAR SAUSAGE PATTIES

 Love this Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin bread!  It satisfies my urge for a little something sweet for breakfast, without turning into frosted doughnuts! 

I also used to new juicer to whip up a batch of juice.  All of that produce made around 32 oz. of fruity-veggie goodness.  Boyfriend's juices consist of primarily vegetables, but I HAVE to throw in some fruit for a little sugar.  Helps so much with the taste.  My juices actually taste yummy whereas Boyfriends are ick!

SPINACH + BEET + PINEAPPLE + ORANGE + APPLE + CARROT + GINGER

LUNCH:

One of my FAVORITE things to make and eat lately is what I call a "Mexican Lasagna".  It's basically whatever I can scrounge up, layered between corn tortillas, and then melted to perfection in the oven.

GREEK YOGURT + CORN TORTILLAS + DAIRY FREE "CHEESE" + BLACK OLIVES + DICES TOMATOES & GREEN CHILIS + ENCHILADA SAUCE + GREEN CHILI + FF REFRIED BEANS 

Simply put, I start with a layer of corn tortillas on the bottom of a casserole dish, followed by beans, tomato mixture, yogurt, cheese olives, peppers, and then repeat.  My final layer is just the corn tortillas topped with a layer of cheese.  Then, I pour the enchilada sauce over the "lasagna".  I bake it in the oven covered at 425 degrees for 30 min, and then uncover the dish for another 15 min. at 425 degrees on broil. This helps to melt the "cheese".  This is especially important if you use fake cheese, because it really needs some extra efforts to melt.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE making this!!  It's easy, and it makes enough for around 6 meals for me!!!  I end up eating this for lunch, breakfast, and dinner every day.  When I get a chance, I'm going to sit down and figure out the stats on this meal.  My instincts tell me that it's a winner because everything in it individually gets an A+ except for the cheese.  But I use the nicest cheese possible and the yogurt and beans, this thing had to be packing some serious Protein and Fiber heat!!

DINNER:

I was out running errands around dinner time, so I went with the lazy girl's choice of a sandwich from Starbucks.  The stats weren't my favorite but I was famished and could have done a lot worse.  Starbucks has some amazing "snack plates" with things like apples, eggs, peanut butter, etc.  I usually go for one of this picks but I was CRAVING bread and meat!

TARRAGON CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH + TALL PIKE'S PLACE WITH SPLASH SOY MILK

My night MIGHT have ended with a few chocolate doughnut holes that Boyfriend bought for his midnight munchies!  Luckily for me, he can usually finish a whole box in one sitting so they aren't sitting around on the counter all day tempting me with their chocolatey goodness!

XOXO

JUST ANOTHER TUESDAY

Today was a day to attack my To-Do list!  But first, some fuel...

BREAKFAST

Started off the day, in the right way with a bowl of hot oats.  I've been back on the oatmeal bandwagon since it's gotten colder now.  I know San Diego "cold" isn't real cold, but I'm a wuss now after living out here for 6 years.

OATMEAL + BLUEBERRIES + ALMOND BUTTER + COFFEE + FF WHIPPED CREAM

My highest priority was cleaning my car which can get to be a bit of a disaster since I'm always on the move.  I practically live out of it and at any time about half my wardrobe is in my car.  I was on the right track until I approached the car wash and the damn thing stalled my car.  I'm not car savvy but any means, but all I know is that water was shooting up underneath the carriage of the car and the car stalled.  I was stuck in the middle of the car wash with an angry line of cars behind me.  After letting it sit for about 5 min. it finally started again but totally but a damper in my car washing plans.  I figure it best not to try that disaster again.  However, I did empty EVERYTHING out of my car and after a nice vacuum and interior scrub, I'm happy to report that at least the inside looks nice and sparkly!  

LUNCH/DINNER

Somehow food passed me by today and before I realized it, it was dinner.  This is a rare occurrence for me.  I almost NEVER miss a meal!  Eating is my favorite time of day!  I'm again on a fridge cleaning mission, so dinner tonight incorporated some turkey that is pretty close to it's expiration date.

THOMAS' WHOLE WHEAT BAGEL THIN + SPROUTS + PICKLES + TURKEY + BROCCOLI

I bought a new oil free dressing from Whole Foods the other day and tried it on the broccoli.  I loved the dressing!  It had a nice sweetness to it, almost like Annie's Mango dressing.  I think it will taste bomb a$$ on a crab and spinach salad, but I think it was just a tad to bit sweet for broccoli.

I'm in love with a  Luna Bar!  Yesterday I found the new Luna Bar that everyone has been going gaga over.  I wanted to hate it because I hate going with the trend...but I loved it!!  Def one of my new go to bars when I'm running around and have no time to feed the belly.

Luna Bar: Peanut Honey Pretzel

   XOXO

RETURN WITH A MAC

It's been awhile!!!  My HP laptop finally bit the dust a few months ago so I splurged and decided to replace it with a sweet new MacBrook Pro. 

 

Problem: I HATE the blog editing software for the Pro and it's taken me MONTHS to finally find a program that is semi acceptable.  Unfortunately, the program (MarsEdit) doesn't want me to upload photos right now.  So after all that fuss, and a return to blogger's positing software (sad face), I return to the world of blogging!!!

And with some new kitchen toys!!

SANYO RICE COOKER/BREADMAKER!!

I never imagined that there was a machine that could cook both rice AND bread!!!  That's crazy!!  I made a whole wheat cinnamon raisin bread last night and I expected a colossal failure!!  Except, what I was got was delicious!!!  It was a little bit firmer then a traditional loaf of bread, but I expected that from using all whole wheat.  This machine is going to be my new favorite toy.

Last night, I also decided to whip up a batch of Sarma's Raw Macaroons a la Lavender and Meyer's Lemon.  I like to dehydrate them for a least 36 hours to get them really crispy on the outside.  Another bonus about a long drying time is the amazing smell that permeates throughout the house!

(Dehydrator is old, I just had to share my sweet obsession!) 

Another new toy:

EXPENSIVE NEW JUICER

Boyfriend and I decided that we really didn't need any Christmas gifts this year, so instead, we went 50/50 on a swanky juicer.  While, I really don't think this beauty actually extracts more juice then our $40  machine, the fruit/veggie chute is double the size so I don't have to cut up the fruit as much.  That was a huge downside of the other machine.  Clean up still is a bit of a b$%h but it must be done!

Well, that's about it for today.  I didn't have my usual food intake/exercise run down today because I decided to try a post at the end of the day therefore no pictures were taken.

Should be back on my regular schedule tomorrow so long as this computer doesn't irritate me so much that I throw it out the window. 

XOXO

TAKE OUT KIND OF NIGHT

Today was a crazy long work day

The camera on my phone isn’t working so I didn’t get a picture of my LUNCH today.  It was super yummy though.  I made another buffalo chicken sandwich.

WHOLE WHEAT THINS + CHICKEN BREAST + BLUE CHEESE YOGURT DRESSING + FRANK’S RED HOT SAUCE + AVOCADO + ASPARAGUS

I was so crazy busy today that I didn’t have a chance to go to the gym, but I don’t feel bad because it was just an impossibility.  I also was so crazy busy and tired after work that I didn’t feel like cooking dinner for Fiancé today (which is a rarity).  Instead I made a quick stop at Whole Paycheck and spent my whole paycheck!

I picked up a Pesto Pizza for Fiancé.  They have a pizza oven at Whole Foods and they make pizzas that are more like flat bread.  They are AMAZING!!!  I had to stay away from it, however, because I’m determined to avoid dairy so long as I have the strength.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Whole Foods pizza box is ginormous!  Looks like I won’t have to be making Fiancé any dinner tomorrow night either!

While Fiance munched on his pizza, I had some fresh sushi that I also picked up at Whole Foods.  I also grabbed THREE bottles of Three Wishes Merlot.  I’ve been looking for this at Whole Foods for awhile, but every time I go, they are out of it.  Three Wishes is the WF version of Trader Joe’s $2 buck chuck (meaning it only costs $2!!!)  I don’t think it tastes any better, but the Three Wishes label is so much cuter.  And let’s face it…I buy wine according to how pretty the label is.  That, and if it’s named after a dessert food (Three Layer Cake, Cupcake)! LOL

SALMON & TUNA SALAD ROLL + SHRIMP SPRING ROLL + PEANUT SAUCE + PUMPKIN & CAT CANDLE + A GLASS THREE WISHES MERLOT

The sushi was delish.  I really try to do sushi sans rice.  Rice adds unnecessary calories and I don’t even really like rice.  To me, rice is just a filler and I definitely can live without it!  Rice paper wrapped sushi is where it is at.

After dinner, Fiancé and I watched a few episodes of Auction Hunters, my new obsession, and then called it an early night.  I have a day of fun shopping planned for tomorrow and I need to rest!!

XOXO

HAPPY OCTOBER

Hello October!!!

I LOVE the fall.  Not only for the ginormous amounts of pumpkin related foods that are everywhere for this time of year, but also because of Halloween and all of the black cat decorations that I can stock up on.

I have dedicated October as my month of fitness!!! I’ve been slacking sooo much since the engagement, but I don’t feel a bit guilty!! I’ve had so much fun and I think that it will only take one month of some serious butt kicking to whip my booty back in shape.

For BREAKFAST I rocked some coconut coffee in my new pumpkin mug.  I said that I was TOTALLY obsessed with pumpkins!!

COCONUT FLAVORED COFFEE + SO DELICIOUS HAZELNUT CREAMER + 2 TSP SPLENDA WITH FIBER

I stopped by Barnes and Noble to pick up my official “Bride Book” for all my wedding planning needs!  I’ve been looking for one for awhile and this one was the most complete.  It was important for me to not only find one that was functional, but a planner that would be a lovely keepsake later on.  I can’t wait to start filling it up with wedding deets!!  Bonus: It came with a pink bride bag!

I also managed to make it to the gym today for a little walk on the treadmill and some ab work.  Hopefully I will be feeling it tomorrow.

Even though I was just walking on the treadmill, I ALWAYS ad a little incline in.  It makes a difference!

After the gym, I was ravenous!!!  I steamed some fresh broccoli and put together a buffalo chicken sandwich which hit the spot.

100 GRAMS BROCCOLI – 1 TBSP BRUMMEL & BROWN BUTTER + MORNINGSTAR CHIK PATTY + LIGHT BLUE CHEESE YOGURT DRESSING + FRANK’S HOT SAUCE

I also sipped on some veggie and fruit juice that I juiced yesterday.  No matter what combo of veggies and fruits that I use, my juice always tastes amazing.  I haven’t found a bottled juice that can compare to fresh, homemade juice.

BEETS + CARROTS + GINGER + LEMONS + CLEMENTINES + GRANNY SMITH APPLES + SPINACH

Have you seen these vitamins yet??  I found them at Whole Paycheck and I can’t wait to try them.  Vitamins + PopRocks = Brilliant!!!  I can’t take a hard pill multi-vitamin like Centrum because they always make me nauseous.  I usually do gummy vitamins but these looked like so much fun.  I don’t think they will be replacing my regular vitamins however because they are $1 a pack.  Too rich for my blood.

I’m trying to keep my carbs (bread, pasta) confined to lunch only so that my body has the rest of the day to run on these fuels, therefore my DINNERS are usually HUGE salads.  Tonight’s salad was a beast staring some yummy salmon.

GORDON’S SALMON FILET + SPINACH + CHERRY TOMATOES + BABY SWEET PEPPERS + AVOCADO + TRADER JOE’S CRUMBLED GOAT CHEESE + ANNIE’S FF MANGO DRESSING

Dairy has never really sat well with me.  I don’t drink milk, and have totally switched to almond or coconut milk.  I actually love soy or almond based cheeses.  They make dairy free jacks, cheddar, and mozzarella.  I have yet to find a dairy-free creamy cheese like goat.  I know I should give it up, but I don’t think I can live without my goat cheese.  However, I think that if I eat it in really small quantities it won’t kill me.

I also bought the CUTEST jewelry box for my new engagement ring at Things Remembered!!!!  I’m going to keep it next to my sink so that I can put my ring in it for safe keeping when I wash the dishes.  Washing dishes and showering is the ONLY time I take off my ring. 

Today is actually our 2-month engagement anniversary. I didn’t even remember until Boyfriend wished me happy anniversary today. He’s a keeper!

Today turned out to be an amazing start to the month.  I kicked my To-Do list’s butt, treated my body with love by exercising and eating right, and spoiled myself with some nice little presents.

Til tomorrow…

XOXO

BRIDEZILLA

Yesterday, I went with my friend Kristen to go pick up her wedding dress.  She getting married on September 12 and I am so excited for her!!!  It’s also beneficial to be able to talk to her about wedding details so that I can start thinking about my big day.

The Fiancé and I have talked about dates, and we are in no need to rush, so I’m thinking that it won’t be for AT LEAST a year.  This way I have PLENTY of time to mull over a zillion bride magazines, so that I can figure out exactly how I want everything to go!!!

Best part of being engaged: I get to read BRIDAL MAGAZINES!!!  It’s so much fun.  Kristen gave me all of her wedding readings because she doesn’t need them anymore.  In a few weeks, my parents are coming to town and I’m going to do the obligatory dress shopping with the mom.

This gives me 3 weeks to kick my butt in the gym and recover from the buffet-style gorging in Cancun!!!

CRÈME BRULE + ALMOND + CINNAMON

I think I really do have a coffee addition.  I bought the first two bags a few weeks ago, and saw the Cinnamon coffee on super sale at the grocery store.  I didn’t NEED it, but it was such a good deal and I know it won’t go to waste!  For BREAKFAST, I brewed up a cup of some coconut coffee in my new cute mug from the resort we stayed at in Cancun.

I made a MASSIVE (even though it doesn’t look like it in the picture) salad for LUNCH.  I used some pouched salmon that I bough the other day and I LOVED it!!  My salmon addiction continues…

SALMON + SPINACH + CHERRY TOMATOES + BROCCOLI + HONEY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

I headed back to the gym today after a long hiatus.  I did a quick 15 min interval sesh on the treadmill.  My knee started to hurt, so I promptly stopped because I did not want a repeat of the my last gym injury.  I also did some ab work courtesy of an Android App which was really fun, and kicked my tummy’s butt!!! 

After the gym, I refueled with a light protein boost. 

GARDEN OF LIFE RAW PROTEIN + BLUEBERRIES + ALMOND MILK

 

I also SNACKED on a Gala Apple.  I usually buy a bag a week for juicing purposes, but I have to make a conscious effort to eat more whole apples.  High in fiber and SOOOO good for you!!!

 

 

Today was a good day, and I’m hoping to use the inspiration of looking BANGING in my wedding dress to tone up and slim down.

Til tomorrow…

XOXO

AUGUST AND EVERYTHING AFTER

August has been an AMAZING month for me so far!!!  Let me catch you up on what’s been going on in my CRAZY world…

AUGUST 1, Boyfriend surprised me with an overnight mini-date.  In the morning he told me to pack my bags for a night, and dress for a “little hike.”ME BEING CUTE AND PRETENDING TO EAT THROUGH THE BAG OF TRAIL MIX THAT BOYFRIEND BOUGHT ME FOR THE HIKE

So we went on a “little hike” that turned out to be a GRUELING .8.5 mile hike up Mt. Cuyamaca (2nd tallest Mountain in San Diego). WAY UP HIGH

When we got to the top, Boyfriend set up a picnic in a surprise location while I waited. When he called me over to the site he was waiting in a full tux, and you can guess what happened next….

BLUE BOX SPECIAL!!!!

“Boyfriend” is now “Fiancé”. But we decided we hated that word so we are calling each other “G2B” (Groom To Be) and “B2B” (Bride To Be).

Then he whisked me over to Temecula for wine tasting and an overnight at a villa at a winery.

 

It was amazing and EVERYTHING that I have ever dreamed of.

And the ring….

It’s from TIFFANY’S. It’s BIGGER and BETTER then I’ve ever dreamed. I was overwhelmed with Boyfriend’s generously and creativity. I can’t stop staring at it and thinking, “THIS IS MINE!!!”

Less then two weeks later we went to Cancun, Mexico to celebrate my 30th BIRTHDAY!!!  I think it goes without saying that we had an INCREDIBLE time.  We stayed at an all inclusive resort called “Dreams” (aptly named), and engaged in every activity that Cancun had to offer!!  We aren’t the types of sit around on a beach for a week, though we did get in some beach time.

View from our balcony.  We overlooked the dolphin lagoon below.  We could hear them at night splashing in the water!

The Jacuzzi tub on the balcony of our PRESIDENTIAL SUITE!!!  It was HUGE but completely unnecessary because we barely stayed in the room.  We slept and showered there, but spent the rest of the time exploring Cancun.Swim-up pool bar!!

 

 

We went on a Pirate Show Dinner Cruise for my BIG birthday!!  It was really cute and I got to eat lobster which is always fun!!

 

The ruins of “Chicken Pizza.”  It’s actually called Chichen Itza, but Boyfriend and I liked Chicken Pizza better!!

 

 

 

 

 

This month has been one of the most INCREDIBLE months of my life!!!  Everyone keeps asking us our wedding plans, but Boyfriend and I want to soak up the fun of being engaged before we started dealing with the stress of wedding planning.  I LOVE being engaged!!!  I’m surprised how different it is versus just dating.  Boyfriend and I agree that it just feels more “special.” 

Now back to normal life and kicking my butt to lose vacation/engagement lbs!! But TOTALLY worth it!!

XOXO